Skymark Airlines, a Japanese low-cost carrier, has a strict cancellation policy that varies by fare type and timing. Below is a concise overview based on the latest information from their official website and other reliable sources:
24-Hour Cancellation Policy:
- If you book directly through Skymark Airlines (skymark.co.jp), you can cancel within 24 hours of booking and receive a full refund, provided the flight departs at least 7 days later (168 hours). This applies to all fare types, including promotional fares, and aligns with the Airlines Reporting Corporation (ARC) rules for US bookings.
- Refunds are credited to the original payment method (credit card, convenience store payment) after deducting a JPY 500 cancellation fee per segment, per person, regardless of the cancellation date.
After 24 Hours:
- Non-Refundable Fares: Most Skymark tickets (e.g., Starter, Regional Special) are non-refundable after the 24-hour window, except for taxes in some cases. A cancellation fee of JPY 500 per segment applies for adults and children, except for children’s tickets, where the fee is 50% of the adult fare.
- Transit Fares: Canceling a transit fare (multi-segment itinerary) incurs a JPY 500 fee for both routes, and both segments are canceled simultaneously.
- Regional Special Fares: Cancellation terms vary by campaign, but cancellations must be made before departure and no later than 10 days after the ticket’s validity period (which depends on the fare type).
- No-Show: If you fail to cancel before departure and do not board, the ticket is forfeited, and no refund is issued, including for taxes and fees. Refunds are not available after the ticket’s validity period (typically one year).
- If the cancellation fee exceeds the fare paid, the entire fare is charged as the cancellation/refund fee, except for the Domestic Passenger Facility Charge (PFC), which may be refunded for applicable flights.
Special Circumstances:
- Skymark-Canceled Flights: If Skymark cancels a flight due to their convenience (e.g., technical issues, aircraft maintenance), passengers are rebooked on the next available Skymark flight, another airline, or alternative transportation at no extra cost. No cancellation or refund fees are charged, and the ticket’s validity can be extended by 30 days from the original expiration date. Refunds or changes can be requested online, at the airport, or via the Reservation Center.
- Weather-Related Cancellations: For cancellations or delays due to bad weather, no cancellation or change fees are applied, and refunds or rebookings are available. If the new fare is lower, the difference is refunded; if higher, no additional charge applies (for regular adult, child, or disabled passenger fares). Changes/refunds are available up to 10 days after the scheduled departure.
- Injury/Illness: Refunds for cancellations due to unforeseen injury or illness may be granted with proper documentation, processed via the Reservation Center or airport counter.
- No Compensation Policy: Skymark does not have an official policy for compensation for delays or cancellations, but they may offer case-by-case assistance (e.g., accommodation for significant disruptions). Contact customer service for details.
